Dictionary of Makers

Son of Emile Auguste Ouchard and began making at 13. At the end of 1941 he moved to Paris with his father. At this time he adopted the Hill-style underslide that his father so often used. Fought in WWII and in 1949 joined the Vidoudez firm in Geneva, Switzerland, on the recommendation of Lapierre. Worked there until 1971, at which time he became professor of bow making at the Ecole de lutherie in Mirecourt. From this time he gave up the Hill-style underside and branded his bows, "OUCHARD." He was of fundamental importance for the revival of French bow making, producing bows of fine quality